Senator John Kennedy expresses skepticism over the administration's Saudi Arabian civilian nuclear deal due to poor timing
Senator John Kennedy voiced skepticism regarding the administration's new civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, arguing that the timing is currently unfavorable. While the administration announced the deal to streamline Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program, Kennedy noted that the world is on a "hair trigger" regarding nuclear proliferation. He argued that it is contradictory to sign a commercial agreement with one country while simultaneously bombing another to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Despite his general support for the administration's goals in Iran, Kennedy believes the current geopolitical instability makes the Saudi deal premature. He also noted that the administration's condition requiring Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel is unlikely to be met, as the Saudis remain committed to a establishing a sovereign Palestinian state. Kennedy also advocated for the passage of the SAVE America Act, a bill championed by the administration to reform election processes. He emphasized that the and the administration should provide more detailed information to the public regarding the ongoing war in Iran.
Sources
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Transcript: Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 26, 2026
CBS News
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Sen. John Kennedy says U.S. should "stay the course" in Iran
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Republican senator joins criticism of Trump Saudi nuclear deal
Newsweek